A Low Pressure Area (LPA) east of Mindanao continues to bring widespread rains and thunderstorms across the island, prompting weather authorities to warn residents of possible flash floods and landslides due to moderate to at times heavy rainfall.
According to the latest regional weather forecast issued by the Mindanao Regional Services Division of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), the LPA was estimated at 655 kilometers east of General Santos City as of 3:00 p.m. Friday, May 23.
The weather disturbance, along with its trough, is currently affecting large portions of Mindanao and is expected to continue influencing weather conditions from 5:00 a.m. Saturday, May 24, until 5:00 a.m. Sunday.
PAGASA said most areas across Mindanao will experience cloudy skies with scattered rainshowers and thunderstorms throughout the forecast period.
Authorities warned that prolonged rainfall could trigger flash floods in low-lying and flood-prone communities, while mountainous and elevated areas remain at risk of landslides.
The weather bureau advised residents to remain alert, especially those living near rivers, coastal communities, and areas previously affected by flooding and soil erosion.
Across the Zamboanga Peninsula, including Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Sibugay, and Isabela City, cloudy skies with rainshowers and thunderstorms are expected to persist. Temperatures in the region may range from 22°C to 31°C.
In Northern Mindanao, provinces such as Bukidnon, Camiguin, Lanao del Norte, Misamis Occidental, and Misamis Oriental are also forecast to experience rainy and thunderstorm-prone conditions, with temperatures reaching up to 32°C.
The Davao Region, including Davao City, Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, Davao Oriental, Davao de Oro, and Davao Occidental, will likewise experience cloudy skies with rainshowers and thunderstorms. Forecast temperatures may range between 24°C and 33°C.
In the SOCCSKSARGEN Region, including North Cotabato, South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, and Sarangani, residents are also expected to experience unstable weather conditions brought by the trough of the LPA.
Meanwhile, the Caraga Region, particularly Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, and Dinagat Islands, may continue to experience intermittent heavy rains and thunderstorms, with temperatures ranging from 25°C to 34°C.
The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), including Cotabato City, Basilan, Lanao del Sur, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Maguindanao del Norte, and Maguindanao del Sur, will also experience cloudy conditions with scattered rains and thunderstorms.
PAGASA said winds across Mindanao will generally be light to moderate, blowing from the northeast to northwest, while coastal waters will remain slight to moderate with wave heights ranging from 0.6 to 1.5 meters.
Fisherfolk and small sea vessels were advised to continue monitoring weather updates before venturing out to sea, especially during thunderstorms which may bring sudden strong winds and rougher coastal conditions.
The weather bureau urged local disaster risk reduction offices and residents to remain vigilant as weather conditions may rapidly change due to the developing LPA system.